Yamaha
CLP-835
$2,400
The Clavinova sweet spot — full VRM and room-filling sound
10.0 Beginner 8.5 Night Practice 1.5 Portability 8.8 Touch Reality 6.7 Value
88 60 kg
View Details Roland
Roland LX-5 Review
Where Roland's flagship sound engine meets a refined PHA-50 action
88 Keys 68 kg pha 50
Bluetooth
Intermediate
Scores
How These Scores Were Calculated
Beginner
10.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 3.0 |
| Lesson Function | Yes | +1.5 |
| App Connectivity | Yes | +1.5 |
| Recording | Yes | +1 |
| Metronome | Yes | +0.5 |
| Transpose | Yes | +0.3 |
| Layer / Split | Yes | +0.3 |
| Preset Songs | 377 | +1.5 |
| Sound Variety | 324 sounds | +0.5 |
Night Practice
8.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 2.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 | +2 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm, 3.5mm | +1.5 |
| Headphone Optimization | Yes | +1.5 |
| Key Action Quietness | pha 50 | +0 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | Yes | +0.5 |
Portability
1.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 68 kg | -3 |
| Width | 1383 mm | -0.5 |
| Battery | No | +0 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +0 |
Touch Reality
8.8| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | pha 50 (grade 8) | +4.8 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 256 notes | +1.5 |
| Sound Modeling | PureAcoustic Piano Modeling | +0.5 |
| Key Surface | ivory-feel | +0.5 |
Our Verdict
The Roland LX-5 brings PureAcoustic Piano Modeling and the acclaimed PHA-50 action into an elegant cabinet with a powerful 4-speaker system, making it the sweet spot of the LX series.
Pros
- • PureAcoustic Piano Modeling delivers Roland's most expressive and detailed piano sound
- • PHA-50 action with ivory-feel keys provides a premium, nuanced playing experience
- • 60W output through 4 speakers fills a room with rich, immersive sound
- • Bluetooth MIDI and audio for seamless app connectivity and music streaming
- • Headphone optimization with Headphones 3D Ambience creates a concert-hall feel during silent practice
- • 324 sounds including world-class grand piano tones, strings, and organs
Cons
- • 68 kg weight makes repositioning within the home a two-person job
- • At $2,500, it sits in a competitive bracket against strong Yamaha CLP and Kawai CA options
- • The PHA-50 action, while excellent, lacks the wooden keys of the LX-6 and above
The Roland LX-5 is the model that makes the strongest case for upgrading from a mid-range digital piano. Its PureAcoustic sound engine is a genuine step up from SuperNATURAL, and the PHA-50 action rewards players who put in the practice. If your budget can stretch to this level, the LX-5 delivers an experience that could last a decade or more.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The PHA-50 action combines molded and wooden elements for a feel that sits firmly in the premium tier. Ivory-feel key surfaces add grip, and the escapement mechanism recreates the subtle click felt on acoustic grands. This action responds well to dynamic control, making it suitable for classical repertoire and expressive playing.
Who Is This Piano For?
The LX-5 is designed for intermediate players who have outgrown entry-level instruments and want to hear a real difference in both touch and tone. It is also an excellent choice for households where sound quality matters — the 4-speaker system genuinely fills a living room. If you are serious about progressing but do not need the absolute top-tier action, the LX-5 offers a compelling balance of performance and price.
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Pha 50 |
| Polyphony | 256 notes |
| Sounds | 324 |
| Weight | 68 kg |
| Speakers | 60W (×4) |
| Bluetooth | Audio + MIDI |
| Key Surface | Ivory Feel |
| Sound Modeling | PureAcoustic Piano Modeling |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm, 3.5mm |
| Headphone Optimization | Yes |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | No |
| Lesson Function | Yes |
| App Connectivity | Yes |
| Recording | Yes |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | Yes |
| Preset Songs | 377 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1383×468×1038 mm |
| Stand Included | Yes |
| Pedal Included | Yes |
Recommended Accessories
🪑
Stand
Stand included
A sturdy X-stand or furniture-style stand is essential if one isn't included.
🎧
Headphones
Closed-back headphones with good bass response make practice sessions more enjoyable.
🎹
Sustain Pedal
The included pedal is usually basic. A half-damper pedal upgrade is worthwhile for expressive playing.
💺
Bench
An adjustable-height bench helps maintain proper posture during long practice sessions.
How It Compares
LX-5 vs CLP-835
The LX-5 and CLP-835 score very similarly across all axes. The CLP-835 costs $100 less.
Yamaha CLP-835 →LX-5 vs HP-704
The LX-5 and HP-704 score very similarly across all axes. The HP-704 costs $200 less.
Roland HP-704 →LX-5 vs CA-401
The LX-5 and CA-401 score very similarly across all axes. The LX-5 costs $200 less.
Kawai CA-401 →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Roland LX-5 good for beginners?
Yes. The Roland LX-5 scores 10/10 on our Beginner scale, which means it has strong learning features like lesson modes, app connectivity, and built-in songs to help new players get started.
Does the Roland LX-5 have Bluetooth?
Yes, the Roland LX-5 supports both Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth Audio, so you can connect wirelessly to apps and stream audio.
How heavy is the Roland LX-5?
The Roland LX-5 weighs 68 kg (150 lbs). It scores 1.5/10 on our Portability scale. This is a stay-in-place instrument — plan its location before setup.
Can I use headphones with the Roland LX-5?
Yes. The Roland LX-5 has 2 headphone jacks (6.3mm, 3.5mm). It scores 8.5/10 on our Night Practice scale. It also features headphone sound optimization for a more immersive experience.
How many keys does the Roland LX-5 have?
The Roland LX-5 has a full 88-key keyboard, the same as an acoustic piano. This gives you the complete range for any piece of music.
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Roland's furniture-style digital piano with premium sound
10.0 Beginner 8.5 Night Practice 1.5 Portability 8.8 Touch Reality 6.8 Value
88 59 kg
View Details Kawai
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View Details